Our design
The design of the St James’ Park Local Centre has been the subject of extensive discussions with officers at East Hertfordshire District Council since July 2022.
The original concept and vision for the Local Centre was set out in the outline planning application. The Applicant has been working with the Council to deliver this vision with a welcoming local centre and high-quality landscaping.
The Local Centre takes design cues from the character of more traditional high streets in the local area, as well as the emerging urban palette of the St James’ Park site.
Key features of the Local Centre layout are:
- Prominent landmark two storey design with generous landscaping, which will create a welcoming and attractive gateway to St James’ Park
- Main units arranged in a linear block, with a Co-op foodstore on the entrance corner
- A new community centre, with external space to accommodate community functions and events
- High quality public realm with both communal and café seating, designed to encourage people to linger and to activate the centre
- A bespoke McDonald’s restaurant, designed to form an integral part of the wider centre, linking the local centre main parade to the employment/industrial uses adjacent